Washing machine appliance and a method for operating a washing machine appliance

ABSTRACT

A washing machine appliance has a low-flow inlet valve that is configured such that a flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve has a flow rate no greater than one gallon per minute when the low-flow inlet valve is open. A Venturi pump is connected to the low-flow inlet valve such that the flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve enters the Venturi pump at a water inlet of the Venturi pump when the low-flow inlet valve is open. The Venturi pump is operable to draw fluid from a tub through a recirculation conduit to a recirculation inlet of the Venturi pump. A nozzle is positioned and oriented for directing a flow of liquid from the Venturi pump into the tub. A related method for operating a washing machine appliance is also provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances and fluid recirculation within washing machine appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances typically include a cabinet which receives a stationary tub for containing wash and rinse water. A wash basket is rotatably mounted within the wash tub, and an agitating element is rotatably positioned within the wash basket. A drive assembly and a brake assembly can be positioned with respect to the wash tub and configured to rotate and control the agitation of the wash basket to cleanse the wash load loaded into the wash basket. Upon completion of a wash cycle, a pump assembly can be used to rinse and drain the soiled water to a draining system.

During operation, washing machine appliances utilize a volume of water. The volume of water is preferably minimized in order to reduce water consumption. Large wash loads, however, have typically required an increased amount of water to provide adequate cleansing and rinsing of the large wash loads. To reduce water consumption, washing machine appliances have used recirculation systems to remove water from the wash tub and return the water to the wash basket so that a reduced amount of water can be continuously poured over wash loads during a fill cycle. These recirculation systems, however, typically require electric recirculation pumps that consume energy to remove water from the wash tub and return the water to the wash basket. In addition, electric recirculation pumps can be expensive.

Thus, a washing machine appliance with features for reducing water consumption and/or with reduced energy demands would be useful. In particular, a washing machine appliance with features for reducing water consumption and that does not include an electrical recirculation pump would be useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a washing machine appliance with a low-flow inlet valve that is configured such that a flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve has a flow rate no greater than one gallon per minute when the low-flow inlet valve is open. A Venturi pump is connected to the low-flow inlet valve such that the flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve enters the Venturi pump at a water inlet of the Venturi pump when the low-flow inlet valve is open. The Venturi pump is operable to draw fluid from a tub through a recirculation conduit to a recirculation inlet of the Venturi pump. A nozzle is positioned and oriented for directing a flow of liquid from the Venturi pump into the tub. A related method for operating a washing machine appliance is also provided. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In a first exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a tub. A basket is mounted within the tub such that the basket is rotatable relative to the tub. A low-flow inlet valve is configured such that a flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve has a flow rate no greater than one gallon per minute when the low-flow inlet valve is open. A Venturi pump is positioned downstream of the low-flow inlet valve relative to the flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve. The Venturi pump has a water inlet, a recirculation inlet and an outlet. The Venturi pump is connected to the low-flow inlet valve such that the flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve enters the Venturi pump at the water inlet of the Venturi pump when the low-flow inlet valve is open. A recirculation conduit extends between the tub and the recirculation inlet of the Venturi pump. The Venturi pump is operable to draw fluid from the tub through the recirculation conduit to the recirculation inlet of the Venturi pump. A nozzle is connected to the outlet of the Venturi pump. The nozzle is positioned and oriented for directing a flow of liquid from the Venturi pump into the tub.

In a second exemplary embodiment, a method for operating a washing machine appliance is provided. The method includes opening a low-flow inlet valve of the washing machine appliance in order to initiate a flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve. The flow of water has a flow rate no greater than one gallon per minute. The method also includes directing the flow of water through a Venturi pump of the washing machine appliance such that the Venturi pump draws fluid from a tub of the washing machine appliance through a recirculation conduit to the Venturi pump and directing a mixture of the fluid from the tub and the flow of water into the tub.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter with a door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in a closed position.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with the door shown in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of certain components of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 provides a section view of a Venturi pump of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axis washing machine appliance 100. In FIG. 1, a lid or door 130 is shown in a closed position. In FIG. 2, door 130 is shown in an open position. While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that vertical axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., horizontal axis washing machines.

Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 102 that extends between a top portion 103 and a bottom portion 104 along a vertical direction V. A wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted within cabinet 102, e.g., within a tub 118 positioned within cabinet 102. A motor 162 (FIG. 3) is in mechanical communication with wash basket 120 in order to selectively rotate wash basket 120 within tub 118, e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100. Wash basket 120 defines a wash chamber 121 that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. An agitator or impeller (not shown) extends from wash basket 120 into wash chamber 121. The impeller assists agitation of articles disposed within wash chamber 121 during operation of washing machine appliance 100, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

Cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100 has a top cover or panel 140, e.g., at or adjacent top portion 103 of cabinet 102. Top cover 140 defines an aperture 144 that permits user access to wash chamber 121 of wash basket 120. Door 130 is rotatably mounted to top cover 140. However, alternatively, door 130 may be mounted to cabinet 102 or any outer suitable support. Door 130 selectively rotates between the closed position shown in FIG. 1 and the open position shown in FIG. 2. In the closed position, door 130 inhibits access to wash chamber 121. Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash chamber 121. A window 136 in door 130 permits viewing of wash chamber 121 when door 130 is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Door 130 also includes a handle 132 that, e.g., a user may pull and/or lift when opening and closing door 130.

Top cover 140 defines a hole or opening 142, e.g., at a corner of top cover 140 at or adjacent a front portion of top cover 140. Opening 142 is configured for receipt of one of a plurality of fluid additives, such as detergent, fabric softener or bleach. Opening 142 permits the fluid additive to pass through top cover 140 to portions of a fluid additive receptacle 146 disposed below top cover 140 along the vertical direction V. Thus, a user may pour the fluid additives in to fluid additive receptacle 146 through opening 142 in top cover 140. In certain exemplary embodiments, fluid additive receptacle 146 may be configured as a bleach receptacle.

A control panel 110 with a plurality of input selectors 112 extends from top cover 140. Control panel 110 and input selectors 112 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A display 114 of control panel 130 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users.

Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller 160 (FIG. 3) or processing device that is operatively coupled to control panel 110 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 110, the controller 160 operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features. Controller 160 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout washing machine appliance 100. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, controller 160 is located within control panel 110. In such an exemplary embodiment, input/output (“I/O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of washing machine appliance 100 along wiring harnesses, one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

Controller 160 can include any number of control devices and can generally include one or more memory devices and one or more processors, such as one or more general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The processors and/or memory devices can be configured to perform a variety of computer-implemented functions and/or instructions (e.g. performing the methods, steps, calculations and the like and storing relevant data as disclosed herein). The instructions when executed by the processor(s) can cause the processor(s) to perform operations, including providing control commands to various aspects of washing machine appliance 100.

As used herein, the term “processor” refers not only to integrated circuits referred to in the art as being included in a computer, but also refers to a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits. The processor is also configured to compute advanced control algorithms and communicate to a variety of Ethernet or serial-based protocols (Modbus, OPC, CAN, etc.). Additionally, the memory device(s) may generally comprise memory element(s) including, but not limited to, computer readable medium (e.g. random access memory (RAM)), computer readable non-volatile medium (e.g. read-only memory, or a flash memory), a floppy disk, a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), a digital versatile disc (DVD) and/or other suitable memory elements. Such memory device(s) may generally be configured to store suitable computer-readable instructions that, when implemented by the processor(s), configure controller 160 to perform the various functions as described herein. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Controller 160 may also include or be configured as an electro-mechanical timer.

In an illustrative embodiment, laundry items are loaded into wash chamber 121 through aperture 144, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 112. Wash basket 120 and/or tub 118 within cabinet 102 is filled with water and detergent to form a wash fluid. One or more valves (not shown) can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling wash basket 120 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed. Once wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash chamber 121 are agitated, e.g., with the impeller within wash basket 120, for cleansing of laundry items in wash basket 120.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket 120 is drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash basket 120, depending on the particulars of the cleaning cycle selected by a user, the impeller may again provide agitation within wash chamber 121. One or more spin cycles may also be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash basket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds. After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 120, e.g., by reaching into wash chamber 121 through aperture 144.

As discussed above, wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted within tub 118 in cabinet 102. Wash basket 120 may be spaced apart from tub 118, e.g., by a radial gap, in order to permit rotation of wash basket 120 within tub 118. Tub 118 is configured for containing wash and rinse fluids during operation of washing machine appliance 100 described above. Wash and rinse fluids disposed within tub 118 can be used to clean articles disposed in wash basket 120. Wash and rinse fluids can pass between wash basket 120 and tub 118 through a plurality of perforations defined by wash basket 120, e.g., during the wash and/or spin cycles described above.

FIG. 3 provides a schematic view of certain components of washing machine appliance 100. As may be seen in FIG. 3, washing machine appliance 100 includes a recirculation system 200. Recirculation system 200 is configured to direct fluid into tub 118 and basket 120 of washing machine appliance 100 and is also configured to recirculate fluid from tub 118 through basket 120. Thus, as discussed in greater detail below, recirculation system 200 includes features for drawing water from tub 118 into a flow of water from a water supply and directing a fluid mixture M into tub 118 and basket 120.

Recirculation system 200 includes a low-flow inlet valve 210 and an aspirator or Venturi pump 220. As shown in FIG. 3, tub 118 extends between a top portion 150 and a bottom portion 152, e.g., along the vertical direction V. Low-flow inlet valve 210 and Venturi pump 220 may be positioned at top portion or proximate top portion 150 of tub 118. In addition, low-flow inlet valve 210 and Venturi pump 220 may be positioned below top panel 140, e.g., along the vertical direction V, within cabinet 102 at or adjacent top portion 103 of cabinet 102.

Low-flow inlet valve 210 is coupled to a supply line 250 that supplies pressurized water from a water source (not shown), such as a municipal water supply or well. Low-flow inlet valve 210 reduces a pressure (and thus restricts a flow rate) of water from the water supply. In particular, low-flow inlet valve 210 is configured such that a flow of water W (FIG. 4) from low-flow inlet valve 210 has a flow rate no greater than one gallon per minute when low-flow inlet valve 210 is open, e.g., fully open. Thus, the flow rate of flow of water W from low-flow inlet valve 210 may be less than flow rates of water from inlet valves in known washing machine appliances. In such a manner, water from the water source may flow into tub 118 and/or basket 120 more slowly than in known washing machine appliances. In certain exemplary embodiments, the flow rate of the flow of water W may be about three-quarters of a gallon per minute or about half a gallon per minute when low-flow inlet valve 210 is open. In contrast, low-flow inlet valve 210 may block or terminate the flow of water W when low-flow inlet valve 210 is closed. As used herein, the term “about” means within a quarter of a gallon per minute of the stated flow rate when used in the context of flow rates.

Due to water usage and energy efficiency guidelines, modern washing machine appliances, including washing machine appliance 100, utilize a smaller volume of water to clean articles relative to older washing machine appliances. With low-flow inlet valve 210, a fill time of washing machine appliance 100 with the flow of water W is extended, e.g., to a customary length of time for a user of washing machine appliance 100. In particular, the low-flow inlet valve 210 may extend a length of a fill cycle of washing machine appliance 100 to a length of time used by known washing machine appliances to fill with large volumes of water despite only filling washing machine appliance 100 with a relatively small volume of water.

Low-flow inlet valve 210 may include any suitable mechanism for reducing a pressure of water from the water source or otherwise restricting the water from the water source. As an example, low-flow inlet valve 210 may include an orifice or restrictor plate 212. Restrictor plate 212 may define at least one orifice through which water within low-flow inlet valve 210 flows. The at least one orifice may be sized to suitably condition the flow of water W. For example, the at least one orifice of restrictor plate 212 may have a diameter (e.g., a collective diameter) no greater than one-hundredth of an inch or about nine-thousandths of an inch. In alternative exemplary embodiments, low-flow inlet valve 210 may include a needle valve, a pressure compensated flow regulator, a compensator valve, etc.

Venturi pump 220 is positioned downstream of low-flow inlet valve 210 relative to the flow of water W from low-flow inlet valve 210. Thus, e.g., the flow of water W may flow from low-flow inlet valve 210 to Venturi pump 220 when low-flow inlet valve 210 is open. Venturi pump 220 has a water inlet passage 222, a recirculation inlet passage 224 and an outlet passage 226. Venturi pump 220 is connected to low-flow inlet valve 210 such that the flow of water W from low-flow inlet valve 210 enters Venturi pump 220 at water inlet passage 222 of Venturi pump 220 when low-flow inlet valve 210 is open. Any suitable conduit, hose or pipe may connect low-flow inlet valve 210 and Venturi pump 220 in order to provide fluid communication between low-flow inlet valve 210 and Venturi pump 220.

A recirculation conduit 230 extends between tub 118 and Venturi pump 220, e.g., recirculation inlet passage 224 of Venturi pump 220. For example, an inlet 232 of recirculation conduit 230 may be positioned at or adjacent bottom portion 152 of tub 118. Venturi pump 220 is operable to draw fluid F from tub 118 through recirculation conduit 230 to recirculation inlet passage 224 of Venturi pump 220. For example, turning to FIG. 4, a section view of Venturi pump 220 is provided. As shown in FIG. 4, fluid F may enter Venturi pump 220 at recirculation inlet passage 224 and mix with the flow of water W from low-flow inlet valve 210 to form a mixture M of the fluid F from tub 118 and the flow of water W. Thus, within Venturi pump 220, the flow of water W may act as a motive fluid to draw the fluid F through recirculation conduit 230 from tub 118.

Venturi pump 220 may be sized and shaped to draw fluid F from tub 118 through recirculation conduit 230 to Venturi pump 220. As shown in FIG. 4, Venturi pump 220 includes a converging section 228 and a diverging section 229. Converging section 228 of Venturi pump 220 is disposed upstream of diverging section 229 of Venturi pump 220 relative to the flow of water W through Venturi pump 220 from low-flow inlet valve 210. As the flow of water W enters converging section 228 of Venturi pump 220, the flow of water W may increase in velocity and decrease in pressure. Conversely, as the flow of water W passes from converging section 228 of Venturi pump 220 into diverging section 229 of Venturi pump 220, the flow of water W may increase in pressure and decrease in velocity.

The change in pressure for the flow of water W through Venturi pump 220 may assist with drawing the fluid F from tub 118 through recirculation conduit 230 to Venturi pump 220. For example, an interior of tub 118 may be contiguous with wash chamber 121 that is in turn contiguous with ambient air about washing machine appliance 100 (e.g., via aperture 144 of top panel 140), and recirculation conduit 230 may be coupled or connected to recirculation inlet passage 224 of Venturi pump 220. Recirculation inlet passage 224 may extend within Venturi pump 220 to converging section 228 of Venturi pump 220 or diverging section 229 of Venturi pump 220, and a pressure of the flow of water W within converging section 228 of Venturi pump 220 or diverging section 229 of Venturi pump 220 may be less than a pressure of the fluid F within tub 118. Thus, Venturi pump 220 may pump the fluid F from tub 118 to Venturi pump 220 via recirculation conduit 230 when the flow of water W passes through Venturi pump 220. Within Venturi pump 220, the flow of water W and the fluid F from tub 118 mix and the mixture M of water and fluid exits Venturi pump 220 via outlet passage 226 and flows into tub 118. In such a manner, fluid F from tub 118 may be recirculated by Venturi pump 220 back into tub 118 with fresh water from the flow of water W.

As discussed above, the flow rate of flow of water W from low-flow inlet valve 210 may be less than flow rates of water from inlet valves in known washing machine appliances. By utilizing Venturi pump 220 to recirculate fluid F from tub 118 back into tub 118 with the flow of water W, a volume of liquid flowing into the tub 118 into tub 118 is greater than if the flow of water W entered tub 118 directly from low-flow inlet valve 210. Thus, a flow rate of the mixture M of the flow of water W and the fluid F from tub 118 is greater than the flow rate of the flow of water W. The higher flow rate of the mixture M may be more appealing to a user of washing machine appliance 100 than just the volume of the flow of water W. In addition, by combining low-flow inlet valve 210 with Venturi pump 220, the fill cycle of washing machine appliance 100 may be extended to a customary length without requiring an electric recirculation pump while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing flow rate into tub 118 despite the relatively low flow rate of the flow of water F from low-flow inlet valve 210.

A nozzle 240 is positioned downstream of Venturi pump to receive the mixture M of the flow of water W and the fluid F from tub 118. Nozzle 240 may be connected to outlet passage 226 of Venturi pump 220 in order to receive the mixture M from Venturi pump 220. Any suitable conduit, hose or pipe may connect nozzle 240 to Venturi pump 220 in order to provide fluid communication between nozzle 240 and outlet passage 226 of Venturi pump 220. Nozzle 240 is positioned and oriented for directing the mixture M into tub 118 and basket 120, as shown in FIG. 3. Nozzle 240 may be positioned at top portion 150 of tub 118, e.g., such that the mixture M exits nozzle 240 and flows onto articles within basket 120.

Low-flow inlet valve 210 may include a solenoid 214 that is operable to open and close low-flow inlet valve 210. Controller 160 is in operative communication with solenoid 214 such that controller 160 may selectively open and close low-flow inlet valve 210 with solenoid 214, e.g., during a fill cycle of washing machine appliance 100. As an example, controller 160 may open low-flow inlet valve 210 with solenoid 214 for at least ten minutes during the fill cycle. Thus, the fill cycle of washing machine appliance 100 may be a customary length despite the flow rate of the flow of water W from low-flow inlet valve 210 and the lack of an electric recirculation pump. Controller 160 is also in operative communication with motor 162 such that controller 160 may selectively rotate basket 120 within tub 118 by activating motor 162. Controller 160 may be configured to activate motor 162 during at least a portion of the fill cycle, e.g., in order to facilitate even application of the mixture M onto articles within basket 120.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing machine appliance, comprising: a tub; a basket mounted within the tub such that the basket is rotatable relative to the tub; a low-flow inlet valve configured such that a flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve has a flow rate no greater than one gallon per minute when the low-flow inlet valve is open; a Venturi pump positioned downstream of the low-flow inlet valve relative to the flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve, the Venturi pump having a water inlet, a recirculation inlet and an outlet, the Venturi pump connected to the low-flow inlet valve such that the flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve enters the Venturi pump at the water inlet of the Venturi pump when the low-flow inlet valve is open; a recirculation conduit extending between the tub and the recirculation inlet of the Venturi pump, the Venturi pump operable to draw fluid from the tub through the recirculation conduit to the recirculation inlet of the Venturi pump; and a nozzle connected to the outlet of the Venturi pump, the nozzle positioned and oriented for directing a flow of liquid from the Venturi pump into the tub.
 2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the low-flow inlet valve includes a restrictor plate defining at least one orifice, the at least one office sized such that the flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve has the flow rate no greater than one gallon per minute when the low-flow inlet valve is open.
 3. The washing machine appliance of claim 2, wherein the at least one office is sized such that the flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve has the flow rate of about three-quarters of a gallon per minute when the low-flow inlet valve is open.
 4. The washing machine appliance of claim 3, wherein the at least one orifice has a diameter no greater than one-hundredth of an inch.
 5. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the low-flow inlet valve is configured such that the flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve has the flow rate of about three-quarters of a gallon per minute when the low-flow inlet valve is open.
 6. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein a flow rate of a mixture of the fluid from the tub and the flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve at the outlet of the Venturi pump is greater than one gallon per minute when the low-flow inlet valve is open.
 7. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the low-flow inlet valve comprises a solenoid operable to open and close the low-flow inlet valve.
 8. The washing machine appliance of claim 7, further comprising a controller in operative communication with the solenoid, the controller configured to open the low-flow inlet valve with the solenoid during a fill cycle.
 9. The washing machine appliance of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to open the low-flow inlet valve with the solenoid for at least ten minutes during the fill cycle.
 10. The washing machine appliance of claim 8, further comprising a motor coupled to the basket such that the basket is rotatable with the motor, the controller in operative communication with the motor, the controller configured to activate the motor during at least a portion of the fill cycle.
 11. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the washing machine appliance is a vertical axis washing machine appliance such that the basket is rotatable about a vertical axis within the tub.
 12. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the tub extends between a top portion and bottom portion along a vertical direction, an inlet of the recirculation conduit positioned at the bottom portion of the tub, the low-flow inlet valve and the Venturi pump positioned at the top portion of the tub.
 13. The washing machine appliance of claim 12, wherein the washing machine appliance is a vertical axis washing machine appliance such that the basket is rotatable about a vertical axis within the tub.
 14. A method for operating a washing machine appliance, comprising: opening a low-flow inlet valve of the washing machine appliance in order to initiate a flow of water from the low-flow inlet valve, the flow of water having a flow rate no greater than one gallon per minute; directing the flow of water through a Venturi pump of the washing machine appliance such that the Venturi pump draws fluid from a tub of the washing machine appliance through a recirculation conduit to the Venturi pump; and directing a mixture of the fluid from the tub and the flow of water into the tub.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the flow of water has the flow rate of about three-quarters of a gallon per minute when the low-flow inlet valve is open.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein a flow rate of the mixture of the fluid from the tub and the flow of water is greater than one gallon per minute.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein opening the low-flow inlet valve comprises actuating a solenoid of the low-flow inlet valve.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein opening the low-flow inlet valve comprises actuating the solenoid for at least ten minutes during a fill cycle of the washing machine appliance.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising rotating a basket of the washing machine appliance with a motor coupled to the basket during at least a portion of the fill cycle.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the washing machine appliance is a vertical axis washing machine appliance such that the basket is rotatable about a vertical axis within the tub, the tub extending between a top portion and bottom portion along a vertical direction, an inlet of the recirculation conduit positioned at the bottom portion of the tub, the low-flow inlet valve and the Venturi pump positioned at the top portion of the tub. 